Reverse osmosis membranes from hydroxyalkyl derivatives of cellulose

ABSTRACT

The invention provides reverse osmosis membranes characterized by a salt-rejecting layer of a hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose. The membranes are useful for desalination and other processes involving reverse osmosis.

United States Patent inventors Eugene D. King Wilmington;

Harold M. Spuriln, Cooper Forms, Wilmington; William L. Young, 111, Heritage Park, Wilmington, all 01 Del.

Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee 855,727 Sept. 5, 1969 Nov. 16, 1971 Wilmington, Del.

Hercules Incorporated 18 Claims, No Drawings US. Cl

[51] int. Cl. B01d 13/00 [50] Field of Search 210/22, 23, 321, 500

[56] Reierences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,228,877 1/1966 Mahon 210/500 X 3,276,996 10/1966 Lazare..... 210/22 3,278,521 10/1966 Klug 260/231 Primary Examiner-Frank A. Spear, Jr.

5 Attorney-Eleanor R. Bartholomew I desalination and other processes involving reverse osmosis.

REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANES FROM HYDROXYALKYL DERIVATIVES OF CELLULOSE The present invention relates to reverse osmosis membranes. More particularly, it relates to semipermeable membranes useful for desalting brackish and sea water through reverse osmosis, as well as for other applications involving reverse osmosis.

One of the present commercial methods for the desalination of water involves forcing the saline water under pressure through a semipermeable membrane which discriminates between salt ions and water molecules, allowing water molecules to pass nearly uninhibited through the membrane while rejecting the larger salt ions. At the present time the only semipermeable membranes used commercially in the desalination of water are composed of either cellulose acetate or a derivative of nylon. The cellulose acetate membranes are either symmetric membranes made from dense cellulose acetate or asymmetric ultrathin membranes known as Loebtype membranes. See. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,133,132 and 3,133,137. Membranes made from nylon derivatives are a more recent development and are marketed under the trademark Permasep" in the form of isotropic hollow fibers.

There are two factors that are important in judging the performance of a semipermeable membrane for the desalination of water. First, it must reject at least 95 percent of salt ions and, secondly, it must have an acceptable flux rate which is a measure of the number of gallons of water per square foot per day (g.f.d.) which can be forced through the membrane. Unfortunately, in the case of any given polymer these two properties are normally inversely proportional to each other, i.e., the higher the salt-rejecting capacity, the lower the flux rate, and vice versa.

From the standpoint of initial performance, the Loeb-type cellulose acetate membranes are quite acceptable. In commercial use they are capable of rejecting more than 95 percent of sodium and chlorine ions at a flux rate between -20 g.f.d. However, they possess poor resistance to compaction and are susceptible to hydrolytic and biological degradation. Hence, under many operating conditions they have short membrane lifetimes. On the other hand, Permasep membranes have excellent resistance to compaction and biological degradation but have extremely low flux rates in the order of 0.0l0.l g.f.d.

The present invention relates to novel reverse osmosis membranes useful for desalination of water and other purposes. The membranes of the invention are characterized by a salt-rejecting layer comprising a thin film of a hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose, as hereinafter defined. The experimental techniques by which the membranes of the present invention have been prepared have not been sufficiently refined to produce a membrane having a salt-rejecting layer as thin as the ultra-thin salt-rejecting layer of the asymmetric Loeb-type cellulose acetate membranes, and for this reason it is not possible to compare directly the flux rates of the present membranes with those of the asymmetric Loeb-type membranes. However, allowing for the greater thickness of the saltrejecting layer in the membranes of the invention, as prepared to date, the flux rate of the more permeable of the membranes of the invention is surprisingly high and when calculated on an equivalent thickness basis is equal to or better than the asymmetric Loeb-type membranes. Furthermore, great versatility is achievable in the membranes of the invention in that by variation in chemical and physical structures it is possible to vary salt-rejecting capacity and flux rate over a wide range. Thus, for example, membranes having a very high flux rate and modest salt-rejecting capacity can be prepared which are useful primarily for purposes other than desalination of water, while membranes of good flux rate and high salt-rejecting capacity can be prepared which are eminently useful for desalination of water. In addition the membranes of the invention possess the advantage of being highly resistant to compaction and to hydrclytic and biological degradation and, hence, have long lifetimes under most all operating conditions.

The hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose from which the reverse osmosis membranes of two prepared is six one of the following classes:

A. hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from 2 to 6 carbon atoms;

B. mixed hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl groups contain an average of from two to six carbon atoms;

C. mixed hydroxyalkyl-alkyl and mixed hydroxyalkyl-aralkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and, respectively, the alkyl group contains from one to six carbon atoms and the aralkyl group contains from seven to 12 carbon atoms; and

D. mixed hydroxyalkyl-aminoalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and the aminoalkyl group contains from two to 10 carbon atoms;

said derivative having a number average degree of polymerization (D.P.) within the range of from 25-5 ,000 and an M.S. (average number of moles of alkylene oxide combined with the cellulose per anhydroglucose unit) of at least I and a D8. (degree of substitution) including alkyl, aralkyl and aminoalkyl groups of at least 2 (a more detailed explanation of M.S. and D8. can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,278,521 to Eugene D. Klug). Such cellulose derivatives are prepared by reacting cellulose with an alkylene oxide (class A), with mixed alkylene oxides (class B), with a mixture of alkylene oxide and alkyl chloride or aralkyl chloride (class C), or with a mixture of alkylene oxide and alkyleneamine (class D) by procedures known to the art as, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,278,521 and 3,431,254. In the practice of the invention it is possible to use a single hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative from one of the foregoing classes or a mixture of such derivatives.

The hydroxyalkyl derivatives of cellulose within the foregoing description are without modification either soluble in water or, to a greater or lesser degree, swollen by water. Although those derivatives which are only slightly swollen in water can be used without further modification as components of reverse osmosis membranes in which the hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative constituting the salt-rejecting layer is crosslinked to render it substantially insoluble in water. Cross-linking. of hydroxyalkyl derivatives of cellulose is well known in the art and is effected by reaction with a reagent having two groups reactive with the hydroxalkyl substituents of the cellulosic derivative. Suitable cross-linking agents for use in the invention are compounds containing two or more alkylol, isocyanate or epoxide groupings, specific examples of which are dimethylolurea, ethylenedimethylolorea, hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, methylene-bis-4-phenyl isocyanate, polymethylene-polyphenyl isocyanate, polyhydroxymethyl melamine, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and the triglycidyl ether of glycerol. In general, any compound having two or more reactive groups that has been found suitable for the modification of the wet strength and wash properties of cellulose fabrics and for the chemical attachment of dyestuffs to cellulose fabrics is useful as a cross-linking agent as will be apparent to those skilled in the art of cellulose chemistry. Some of these cross-linking agents require a catalyst to promote cross-linking. Cross-linking with the dimethylol compounds is conveniently catalyzed with an acid such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, while crosslinking with the diisocyanates is conveniently catalyzed with dibutyltin diacetate.

The following examples are presented for purposes of illustrating the invention and not by way of limitation. Parts and percentages are by weight.

EXAMPLES 1 THROUGH 22 These examples illustrate the preparation of flat membranes comprising films of cross-linked hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative on a microporous substrate. Two different procedures were employed. in the first procedure a thin layer (0.1-1.0 mil) of hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative was deposited on a 3X5 inch porous substrate which was a Millipore VF/VS filter sheet composed of mixed cellulose esters having a pore size of 0.01 micron. The substrate was first moistened with a porefilling solvent by floating the sheet dull side down on the surface of the solvent, generally deionized water. This not only filled the pores in the substrate to reduce penetration of the polymer solution during casting but also served to preswell the substrate. Next, the moistened sheet was taped at its edges dull side down on a glass plate for rigid support during casting. This was the procedure employed in examples 1 and 3-22. In the second procedure the solution of cellulose derivative was castseparately on a smooth nonporous surface such as glass,

and after drying was removed and transferred onto the porous substrate. This procedure was employed in example 2.

The casting solutions of hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative used in the examples were prepared in water except in examfrom the bottom port of the cell and analyzed;

Eight such cells were connected in parallel, through a series of suitable valves, to three back pressure regulators, a pump and a l00-gallon reservoir, to provide a recirculating assembly capable of evaluating eight membranes simultaneously at two different pressures (four cells at each pressure). Pumping rates were up to 0.5 gallon per minute (30 gallons per hour).

The brine solution in the reservoir consisted of approximately 7,000 p.p.m. NaCl (2,730 p.p.m. Na, 4,200 p.p.m. Cl' and 3,000 p.p.m. M 50, (930 p.p.m. Na", 2,000 p.p.m. 50. it was analyzed periodically for Na* and CW concentration, using a Beckman Expandomatic pH meter and appropriate specific ion electrodes. Sulfate ion concentrations were determined by a titration method (BaClO, 4 method) or independently calculated by the expression p.p.m. SO,"'" '=(2.09 p.p.m. Na minus 1.35 p.p.m. Cl' These values usually agreed 'vi ell with the experimentally determined values.

p|e 2 where dimethyl lf id was employed as the so|vem The brine solution also contained a small amount of both After stirring for 2-24 hours to achieve thorough solution, the cross-linking reagent and catalyst were added and the resulting solution pressure filtered through a l4-micron nylon filter. Next, entrained air bubbles were allowed to dissipate by standing for a few hours and immediately thereafter a film was cast 90l00 C, forA-Qjhours. Qarc was exercised during a 11 3 preparative steps toreduce inclusion of extraneous contaminants such as dust and the like. Desalination tests were performed on 47 mm. discs cut from the prepared membrane using feed water containing 7,000 p.p.m. dissolved sodium 3 chloride and 3,000 p.p.m. dissolved sodium sulfate.

TEST APPARATUS AND METHOD Each test cell consisted of a 6-bolt Millipore 47-min. highpressure filter holder (Cat. No. XX45 047 00) which holds a (p.p.m. X in feed minus p.p.m. X in permeate) 47 mm. diameter membrane and supporting materials on a support screen clamped between two stainless steel plates. An additional hole was drilled into the top plate, so that the brine solution could enter the cell, circulate across the surface of ethyl violet and Rhodamine B which was used to detect imperfections and pin holes as is commonly practiced by the art.

The membrane to be tested was cut to a 47 mm. diameter size and placed in the test cell atop two 47-min. Millipore GS filter discs (0.22 1. pore size; 45,000 g.f.d. at 1,500 p.s.i.) for support. Depending upon the number of cells in operation, the brine solution was circulated through the cell and over the membrane at the rate of 200-400 ml./min. The membranes were subjected to hydrostatic pressures of 500 p.s.i., and then 0 1,000 p.s.i. for long enough tirnes to collect enough permeate 'r'ai'alTiiysiErhe membranes were then kept at 1,500 p.s.i. for extended lengths of time, while permeate samples were measured and analyzed periodically.

Percent rejection of any ion was calculated from the p.p.m. 5 of the ion in the permeate and the feed solution as follows.

.li iisssyj n (es-l l?" or S F Percent rejection of X Details of each example and the test results therefrom are given in table 1 which follows. in all examples cited, the cast e mP 'le s29 91%. 9199911: .Theeeel stsrte se s ee .wsmsi nsihisk ee w aeeoximately 1 (measured dry)- TABLE I Saline water test results Cross-linking agent] catalgst percent of each Salt re ectiOn, percent base on cellulose Flux, Example Cellulose derivative used a derivative Pressure g.l.d Na* 01- SO4= 500 0. 25 94. 6 91. 2 1 Hydroxypropylce11ulose,Type G,2%aqueous solution DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1,000 0. 40 97.1 95.4 1,5% 0.60 98 12 96.2 99.9 (99.9) 5 2.8 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type G, 2% DMSO solution HMDL/DBTD (20/1) 1,000 8.3 62 '288 8'3 ii 9) 3 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type G, 6% aqueous solution DMU/PTSA (6. 7/0. 33) 1, 000 1: 3 80 31:12:: 1, 583 1. 4 88 77 (99. 9) 5 4 d0 DMU/PTSA (13.3/0. 67) 1,000 0.26 92.3 1,500 0 34 96.9 500 0 58 96.2 5 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type MP, 2% aqueous solution-.- DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1, 20 8 3;.2 1,

500 0.40 89 6 llydroxypropyl cellulose, Type HA, 2% aqueous solution... DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1, 000 0. 92 1,500 0.91 95.9

500 1. 2 87 lydroxypropyl cellulose, Type G (narrow mol. wt. dls- DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1,000 2.3 92.6 89 tribution), 2% aqueous solution. 1, 500 2. 7 98. 3 90. 1 99.7 (99. 9) 500 0.20 92.6 86.3... K 11% b tonc-l oxide-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1, 000 0.46 94.5 89.4

aqueous solution. 1,500 0.08 97.4 94.9 92.6 (99. 9) 500 0.15 92. 5 91. 3 1L 0.0% b l eno-l oxide-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1,000 0.51 98.5 8.4

aqueous solution. 1,500 9.75 99.5 99.0 99.9 (99.9)

590 12. bulcned oxide-modifiedhydroxypi'opylcellulose, 2% DMU/P'ISA (20/1) 1,990 0.31 98.3 7-

aqueous solution. 1, 500 0. 44 99. 2 99. 9 (99. 8)

600 ll 24",, hutouod oxltlo-modillml hydroxypmuyl cclluloso, 2% DMU/PISA (20/1) aqueous solution. 12 38% butane-1 oxide-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% DMU/PTSA (20/1) $1ll 9 91l 1 9 TABLE I-Oontinued C nnkm t/ Saline Water test results rossg agen gaagzldysjt pcerleerlit of each Fl Salt rejection, percent 11 e u ose ux, Example Cellulose derivative used a derivative Pressure g.i.d Na+ 13 ul il 6% buten e -1 dxide-modlded liydroxyprbpyl cellulose, 2% I I w i 1 500 0.2 93.1 aqueous solution. DMU/PTSA (40/2) 1,088 0.4 9 86 5 0. 6 9. l 14 5.3% ethylene oxide-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% J '500 aqueous solution. DMU/PTSA (20/1) I 1, 000 0.3 70 1 500 0. 93. l6 12.9% ethylene oxide-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% '500 f aqueous solution. DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1, 000 0. 2 91. 6 1, 500 0. 6 9B. 7 16 5.3% ethylene oxide-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% 500 0.2 94. 3 aqueous solution. DMU/PTSA (40/2) 1, 17 4.8% ethyleneimine-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% l '500 2:6 57 aqueous solution. DMU/PTS/i (20/1) i, (388 3.; 7g 18 12.2% ethyleneimlne-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose, 2% '500 1: 2 81 aqueous solution. DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1, 3 929g 19 4.8% ethyleneimine-modified hydroxylpropyl cellulose, 2% 600 0.7 77 aqueous solution. DMU/PTSA (40/2) i, 088 2.1 364. 7 5 l. .5 20 Ethylhydroxypropyl cellulose, 0.2 ethoxyl MS, 4% aqueous 500 5.0 56 36 solution. DMU/PTSA (20/1) 1, ggg g at; 37 56 21 Ethylhydroxypropyl cellulose, 0.4 ethoxy MS, 4% aqueous '600 1.7 61 39 solution. DMU/P'ISA (10.0.5) 1, 000 2. 5 70 56 2a. a 2;

.5 77 22 Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Type II 1% aqueous solution DMU/PTSA (/4) l, 000 0. 7 80 78 a Substltuent percentages based on weight of reactant added to weight of propylene oxide (68.7 g.) used to rcect with 20.0 g. of cellulose.

* S0|=valucs in brackets are calculated.

NoTE.-DMSO=dimethylsulfoxide; DMU=dimethanolurea; PTSA=p-toluenesulfonic acid; HMDI=hexamethylene diisocyanate; DBTD= dibutyl tin diacetato.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose, TypeG=750-000 D.P., M.S.=-4. Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type MP=2J0002300 D.P., M.S.=-4. Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type HA=2500-3000 D.P., M.S.=- Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Type H=2500-3000 D.P., M.S.=-2.5.

EXAMPLE 23 This example illustrates a trilayer membrane which is com- 40 posed of two layers of film of hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative which are cast successively upon a porous substrate by the procedure previously described. The substrate in this case was a Millipore VF sheet. The first, or intermediate, layer cast upon the substrate was a 0.75 mil film of hydroxypropyl cellulose, type G, which was crosslined with 1.7 percent of dimethylolurea as a cross-linking agent employing 0.17 percent of p-toluenesulfonic acid as the cross-linking catalyst, this layer having only modest salt-rejecting capacity because of the low level of cross-linking agent. The second, or top, layer cast was a 0.05 mil film of hydroxypropyl cellulose modified with l2 percent butene-l oxide (0.5 percent casting solution) and cross-linked with the dimcthylolurea/p-toluenesulfonic acid system (20.0 percent/2.0 percent based on weight of cellulose). As is apparent from previous examples, the top layer would be expected to have greater salt-rejecting capacity than the intermediate layer. The results of desalination tests employing the trilayer membrane of this example in comparison with a control membrane are given in table ll.

EXAMPLES 24-26 5 These examples illustrate membranes in which the film of hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative is cross-linked by difiusion of cross-linking reagents into the film from one surface only, thereby creating a film having a gradient in the degree of cross-linking throughout its thickness. In the preparation of the membranes a film of hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative, either without cross-linking agent or with a low level of crosslinking agent to facilitate handling, was cast and dried on a Millipore VF substrate in the manner previously described. The thickness of the film in example 24 was 0.75 mil; in exampic 25, 0.25 mil; and in example 26, 1.0 mil. The surface ofthe film was then coated with an aqueous solution of cross-linking reagents and the coated membrane was allowed to stand for about 0.5 hour to permit diffusion of the cross-linking agent into the film. The entire membrane was then cured at C. for several hours. The cross-linking agent employed in all cases was dimcthanolurea and the cross-linking catalyst ptoluenesulfonic acid. Other details of each preparation and the desalination test results of these membranes employing diffusion controlled cross-linking versus control membranes lacking the diffusional process are summarized in table lll.

TABLE II Membrane description Saline water test results Percent salt rejection Pressure, Flux Example Intermediate layer Top layer p.s.i. g.f.d. Na+

23 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type G, 0.75 12% butene oxide modified hydroxypropyl 500 0 8 90.4 mil. cellulose, -0.05 mil. 1, 000 1. 3 93. 8 1, 500 1.5 07 6 500 1. 5 51 Control do Nono 1, 000 2. 0 05 1, 500 3. 0 8i u TABLE III i Membrane description Saline Water test Base level, percent Difiuslng level, Presresults cross-linker] percent cross-linker sure, Flux Example Hydroxyalkyl cellulose catalyst catalyst b p.s.l. g.f.d. Na+ CI- 804- 24 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type G, 3% solution.. 0. 01/0. 001 5/0. 05 izggg {g 3%; "5' 3 Control ..do 0. 01/0. 001 None {:ggg ".353 59 Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Type HA, 1% solu- 0. 01/0. 001 0.5/0.05 333 73 1, 500 3. 0 94. e 90. 3 99. 9 1 388 ii 3i 2% No e Control do 0 01/0 001 n 1,500 4.2 88 82 999 500 1. 5 74 63 26 12% butene oxide-modified hydropropyl cellu- N n I 1 1 1.000 2,3 37 70 l solu l 1, 500 2. o 97. e 9e. 1 99. 9

Ascontalned in casting solution (Example 24, 0.33% DMU/0.033% PTSA as based on cellulose; Example 26, 1.0% DMUIO.1% PTSA as based on cellulose).

EXAMPLE 27 One hundred parts of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Type G) are vacuum dried to a moisture content of less 2561 percent and fed to an extruder operating at 200 F. inlet temperature, 300 F. die temperature. The melt is extruded (2:1 compression ratio through a one-hole (SO-mil diameter, l20-mil land) die equipped with a pin for admitting nitrogen into the center of the fiber during extrusion thereby creating a noncollapsing annular orifice necessary to produce a hollow fiber. The residency time of the melt in the die chamber varies between acetate and 100 parts of toluene. The fiber is cut into lengths 3 feet long and were cured under slight tension at 90 C. for2 hours. Fifty lengths are inserted into a 2%-foot long stainless steel tubing and potted in place at each end with epoxy resin (fiber ends remain open). The resulting fiber test cell is attached to the test system used in example I so that the standard brine solution passes through the stainless steel tube over the outside of the fibers. The permeate coming through the fiber center orifice is collected and analyzed. At 300 p.s.i., water flux is 0.8 g.f.d. with rejections of 97 percent for sodium ion, 95 percent for chloride ion, and 99 percent for sulfate ion.

As has been demonstrated in the examples, excellent reverse osmosis membranes can be prepared from hydroxyalkyl derivatives of cellulose as previously defined. All of the cellulose derivatives employed in the invention can be obtained by reacting cellulose with alkylene oxide, a mixture of alkylcne oxides, a mixture of alkylene oxide and an aryl or alkyl halide, or a mixture of alkylene oxide or a mixture of alkylene oxide and an alkyleneimine, as the case may be. In addition blends of various of the aforementioned hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives can be used. A variation in chemical structure which is positive permits a wide but controlled variation in the hydrophilic nature of the resultant cellulose derivative. In general the greater number of carbon atoms in the substituent or substituents modifying the cellulose molecule, the less hydrophilic is the resultant cellulose derivative. The hydrophilic nature of the cellulose derivative is in turn relatable to its performance in a membrane. The more hydrophobic the derivative, the greater is its ability to reject salt ions and the lower its permeate flux rate, and vice versa.

The molecular weight of the cellulose derivative, which is determined to a great extent by the molecular weight of the cellulose employed as the starting material, is also a factor in affecting the performance of the cellulose derivative when used in a membrane. As the examples have shown, higher molecular weight derivatives give increased salt-rejecting capacity in the membranes with generally lower flux rates. lt

has also been demonstrated as in example 7 that narrow molecular weight distribution (which is a function of the molecular weight distribution of the parent cellulose) leads to improved properties in the ultimate membrane. All of the foregoing factors can be manipulated to achieve a balance of desired properties in the ultimate membrane.

Specifically, the cellulose derivatives useful in the invention can be prepared by reacting cellulose with, for example, any one of the reactants or mixtures of reactants listed below.

ethylene oxide propylene oxide butene oxide (including all isomers) pentene oxide (including all isomers) hexene oxide (including all isomers) ethylene oxide and propylene oxide propylene oxide and butene oxide ethylene oxide and butene oxide propylene oxide and ethyl chloride ethylene oxide and ethyl bromide propylene oxide and ethyleneimine ethylene oxide and ethyl chloride propylene oxide and methyl chloride.

The common denominator in the above list is an alkylene oxide containing from two to six carbon atoms and, in the case of the foregoing mixtures which contain an alkyl halide or alkyleneimine, the alkyl halide or alkyleneimine is desirably employed in a relatively small amount in proportion to the alkylene oxide, generally not more than about 40 percent by weight of alkylene oxide. The alkylcne oxide, of course, is employed as previously specified in an amount to produce a cellulose derivative having a hydroxyalkyl MS. of at least I.

Cross-linking of hydroxyalkyl derivatives of cellulose is known in the art in accordance with the description previously given. The amount of cross-linking agent employed should be sufficient to give complete gelation of the membrane film. For dinethxl rstenrz ai s neuntsie a weight p centage of from about 0.5 percent to 40 percent of the cellulose derivative and for p-toluene diisocyanate, from 0.05 percent to 4.0 percent of the cellulose derivative. For cross-linking with a dialkylol compound, an acidic catalyst is employed, while for cross-linking with a diisocyanate, dibutyl tin diacetate is a useful catalyst.

The cross-linking agent can either be incorporated in the casting solution of the cellulose derivative or allowed to diffuse into the film from one surface after casting. In the latter case a concentration gradient of the cross-linking agent is induced in the film. In this manner, asymmetric membranes can be prepared which give greater porosities, flux rates and ease I of handling at equivalent salt rejections. In either case, crosslinking is effected by heating to a temperature of about 25 C. to C.

The examples have demonstrated the preparation of planar membranes comprising thin films of the cellulosic polymer supported on a microporous substrate permeable to saline water. The membranes can be either a single layer cast on the substrate or several layers successively cast and cross-linked one upon the other. In the latter embodiment, multilayer membranes can be prepared which give, for example, greater porosities, strength, and resistance to compaction. The essential element of the membranes of the invention is a thin film of a cellulose derivative as above defined. The thickness of the film can be varied considerably from less than a micron up to about 2.0 mils but is desirably as thin as can be obtainable by the process employed for its preparation. The examples have principally demonstrated the preparation of films by casting. In addition satisfactory films can be prepared by compression molding and extrusion, as well as by spraying and dip coating techniques.

in the case of films in any form other than a hollow fiber it is necessary that the film be supported upon a microporous substrate which is permeable to saline water, the substrate being necessary to provide a structure of sufficient strength to serve as a membrane. Useful supports are well known in the art of desalination and can be prepared from various materials such as nylon, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl chloride, nitrocellulose, metals, poly(tetrafiuoroethylene), and other materials. Desirably, this support should have as small a pore size as is consistent with impermeability to salt ions. A suitable pore size range is from about 0.005 to microns.

In the preparation of planar membranes a film of the cellulosic derivative can be cast directly upon the substrate, or the film can be separately formed and then laid upon the substrate, both techniques having been illustrated in the examples. Prewetting of the substrate with a liquid which does not swell it is desirable to prevent expansion or contraction of the substrate during casting and drying.

It is also possible to fabricate membranes in the form of thin-walled hollow fibers. In such a case a support or substrate is not generally necessary since the hollow fiber can be constructed to be self-supporting.

Membranes of this invention are eminently useful for desalting brackish water and sea water. In addition, they are also useful in other industrial applications employing the principle of reverse osmosis such as purification of water supplies, purification and concentration of waste streams before disposal, and concentration of various materials such'as maple syrup, citrus juice, whey, coffee, soup, malt beverages, and spent sulflte pulping liquors. Thus, these membranes are useful in the food and beverage industry, the chemical industry, in the forest products industry, and in the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries.

What we claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

l. A reverse osmosis membrane comprising a film having a thickness of not more than 2.0 mils of a cross-linked'hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose supported upon a microporous substrate permeable to salt ions, said hydroxyalkyl derivative of cellulose being selected from the group consisting of A. hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms;

B. mixed hydroxyalkyTEhers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl groups contain an average of from two to six carbon atoms;

C. mixed hydroxyalkyl-alkyl and mixed hydroxyalkyl-aralkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and, respectively, the alkyl group contains from one to six carbon atoms and the aralkyl group contains from 7 to 12 carbon atoms; and

D. mixed hydroxyalkyl-aminoalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and the aminoalkyl group contains from two to carbon atoms;

and having a degree of polymerization within the range of about 25 to 5,000 and a hydroxyalkyl MS. of at least 1 and a D.S. ofat least 2.

2. A reverse osmosis membrane consisting of a walled hollow fiber having a wall thickness of not more than 2.0 mils of a cross-linked alkoxy derivative of cellulose selected from the group consisting of A. hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms;

B. mixed hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl groups contain an average of from two to six carbon atoms;

C. mixed hydroxyalkyl-alkyl and mixed hydroxyalkyl-aralkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and, respectively, the alkyl group contains from one to six carbon atoms and the aralkyl group contains from seven to l2 carbon atoms; and

D. mixed hydroxyalkyl-aminoalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkiyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and the aminoalkyl group contains from two to 10 carbon atoms;

and having a degree of polymerization within the range of about 25 to 5,000 and a hydroxyalkyl MS. of at least l and a D.S. ofat least 2.

3. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl cellulose.

4. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl-hydroxybutyl cellulose.

5. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl cellulose.

6. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose deriva tive is hydroxypropyl-hydroxybutyl cellulose.

7. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxyethyl cellulose.

8. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxyethyl cellulose.

9. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a cross-linking agent containing at least two alkylol groups.

10. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a compound containing at least two isocyanate groups.

11. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a cross-linking agent containing at least two alkylol groups.

12. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a compound containing at least two isocyanate groups.

13. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked to give a cross-link gradient across the film thickness.

14. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative has been crosslinked to give a cross-link gradient across the film thickness.

15. The membrane of claim 1 in which successive layers of cellulosic derivatives are cast and cross'linked to give a multilayer membrane.

16. The membrane of claim 2 in which successive layers of cellulosic derivatives are cast and cross-linked to give a multilayer membrane.

1 7. The process of desalinating water which comprises contacting saline water under pressure with the membrane of claim 1 whereby water molecules are caused to pass through the membrane while the salt ions are rejected from passing through the membrane.

1 8. The process of desalinating water which comprises contacting saline water under pressure with the membrane of claim 2 whereby water molecules are caused to pass through the membrane while the salt ions are rejected from passing through the membrane.

P049150 UIWTED STATES FATENT UFFZCE CERTEFEQATE er eeeeEt'nN Patent No. 3 62O, 970 Dated November 16, 1971 InventorKIs) Klug Spurlin & Young Case 1 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 2, line 2 of the printed patent, after of first occurrence omit two prepsreci is six and insert the invention are prepared is selected from Col. 2, line of the printec'i patent after membranes insert the invention contemplates only reverse osmosis membranes Cell, 2 line 50 of the printed peteet, ethylenedimethylolorea should read ethylenedimethylolurea Col. 4, lines 19, ll, 12, 5.56 and 36 o the rinted petent, in each case C1 and. S0 7E shoulc'z reaci Cl eni 1-1: 50 respectively.

Col. 7, line 23 of the printed patent omit 2 3/4 Col. 7, line 59 of the printed patent; pos itive should read possible Col 9, line 43. of the pr need patent after concenes recycle streams,

on of l tretion of insert proce loser of Patents 

2. A reverse osmosis membrane consisting of a walled hollow fiber having a wall thickness of not more than 2.0 mils of a cross-linked alkoxy derivative of cellulose selected from the group consisting of A. hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms; B. mixed hydroxyalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl groups contain an average of from two to six carbon atoms; C. mixed hydroxyalkyl-alkyl And mixed hydroxyalkyl-aralkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and, respectively, the alkyl group contains from one to six carbon atoms and the aralkyl group contains from seven to 12 carbon atoms; and D. mixed hydroxyalkyl-aminoalkyl ethers of cellulose in which the hydroxyalkyl group contains from two to six carbon atoms and the aminoalkyl group contains from two to 10 carbon atoms; and having a degree of polymerization within the range of about 25 to 5,000 and a hydroxyalkyl M.S. of at least 1 and a D.S. of at least
 2. 3. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl cellulose.
 4. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl-hydroxybutyl cellulose.
 5. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl cellulose.
 6. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropyl-hydroxybutyl cellulose.
 7. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxyethyl cellulose.
 8. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative is hydroxyethyl cellulose.
 9. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a cross-linking agent containing at least two alkylol groups.
 10. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a compound containing at least two isocyanate groups.
 11. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a cross-linking agent containing at least two alkylol groups.
 12. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked by reaction with a compound containing at least two isocyanate groups.
 13. The membrane of claim 1 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked to give a cross-link gradient across the film thickness.
 14. The membrane of claim 2 in which the cellulose derivative has been cross-linked to give a cross-link gradient across the film thickness.
 15. The membrane of claim 1 in which successive layers of cellulosic derivatives are cast and cross-linked to give a multilayer membrane.
 16. The membrane of claim 2 in which successive layers of cellulosic derivatives are cast and cross-linked to give a multilayer membrane.
 17. The process of desalinating water which comprises contacting saline water under pressure with the membrane of claim 1 whereby water molecules are caused to pass through the membrane while the salt ions are rejected from passing through the membrane.
 18. The process of desalinating water which comprises contacting saline water under pressure with the membrane of claim 2 whereby water molecules are caused to pass through the membrane while the salt ions are rejected from passing through the membrane. 